Orchids are among the most diverse and fascinating plants in the world. They have more than 25,000 species and over 100,000 hybrids, and they can produce stunning and fragrant flowers for months. However, orchids also require some care and maintenance, especially when it comes to feeding them. Fertilizing orchids is essential to promote their overall health, growth, and flowering, but it must be done correctly and carefully.
In this article, we will explain how to fertilize orchids using different types, amounts, and frequencies of orchid fertilizer. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about orchid fertilization. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to fertilize orchids and why it is important for orchid lovers.
How to Fertilize Orchids?
There are many types of orchid fertilizer, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common and popular types:
- Balanced fertilizer: This type of fertilizer contains equal amounts of the three major nutrients that orchids need: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These nutrients are usually expressed as a ratio, such as 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. Balanced fertilizer is suitable for most orchids, especially those that have green and healthy leaves and roots. Balanced fertilizer can help to support the overall growth and development of orchids, and it can be used throughout the year, except during the dormant period.
- Bloom booster fertilizer: This type of fertilizer contains higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium, and lower amounts of nitrogen, such as 10-30-20 or 6-30-30. Bloom booster fertilizer is suitable for orchids that are about to bloom, or that have large and showy flowers, such as phalaenopsis, cattleya, or vanda. Bloom booster fertilizer can help to stimulate the flowering and the color of orchids, and it can be used a few weeks before and after the blooming period.
- Specialized orchid fertilizer: When considering how to repot orchids, it’s beneficial to opt for a specialized orchid fertilizer designed with specific nutrient blends catering to particular orchid types. These fertilizers, like orchid food for orchids, orchid plus for orchids, or orchid focus for orchids, are crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of orchids such as paphiopedilum, cymbidium, or epidendrum. Employing specialized orchid fertilizer can accentuate orchids’ characteristics and diversity, contributing to their overall health when used following the instructions on the product label.
How Much and How Often to Fertilize Orchids?
When considering how to prune orchids, the frequency and amount of fertilizer used depend on several factors, including the orchid type, its condition, and the type and potency of the fertilizer. Here are some overarching principles to guide your pruning and fertilizing routine:
- Amount of fertilizer: The amount of fertilizer that orchids need is usually much less than other plants, as orchids are adapted to thrive on relatively low levels of nutrients. Too much fertilizer can burn or damage the orchid’s roots, leaves, or flowers, and cause salt buildup in the potting medium. Therefore, it is better to under-fertilize than to over-fertilize orchids. A good rule of thumb is to dilute the fertilizer to about half or a quarter of the recommended strength, and to follow the label directions carefully.
- Frequency of fertilizer: The frequency of fertilizing orchids varies depending on the orchid’s growth cycle and the season. Generally, orchids need more fertilizer during their active growth period, which is usually in the spring and summer, and less fertilizer during their dormant period, which is usually in the fall and winter. A common mantra among orchid growers is to fertilize “weekly, weakly”, which means to apply a diluted fertilizer solution every week during the growing season, and to skip fertilizing every fourth week to flush out any salt buildup. During the dormant season, fertilizing can be reduced to once a month, or stopped altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orchid Fertilization
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about orchid fertilization and their answers:
What is the best time of day to fertilize orchids?
Selecting an optimal time for fertilizing orchids is crucial, and the morning emerges as the prime period for this task. During this time, orchids exhibit heightened receptivity to nutrient absorption and water intake. Fertilizing your chosen orchid in the morning facilitates the efficient drainage and evaporation of any surplus fertilizer solution. This practice effectively averts the orchid from enduring prolonged exposure to damp conditions overnight, mitigating the risk of rot or fungal infections.
How to apply fertilizer to orchids?
The best way to apply fertilizer to orchids is to water the orchids first with plain water, and then follow with the fertilizer solution. This ensures that the orchid’s roots are moist and ready to absorb the nutrients, and that the fertilizer is evenly distributed throughout the potting medium. Alternatively, some orchid growers prefer to soak the orchid’s pot in a bucket or a sink filled with the fertilizer solution for about 15 minutes, and then let it drain thoroughly.
How to choose the best fertilizer for orchids?
The best fertilizer for orchids depends on the type and the condition of the orchid, as well as the type and the strength of the fertilizer. Generally, orchids benefit from a balanced fertilizer that contains the three major nutrients (N, P, K), as well as the minor nutrients (sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and chlorine). However, some orchids may need a bloom booster fertilizer that contains more phosphorus and potassium, or a specialized orchid fertilizer that contains specific nutrients and micronutrients. The best way to choose the best fertilizer for orchids is to do some research on the orchid’s needs and preferences, and to follow the label directions carefully.